Rising global imbalances threaten stability: SAMA Governor

Ayman Alsayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)

Ayman Alsayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), warned that widening global imbalances could pose risks to financial stability, with potential spillovers across financial and trade channels.

Speaking at the first meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, Alsayari said the group should strengthen its analytical framework by moving beyond a narrow focus on current account balances to incorporate financial factors such as capital flows and global financial conditions, according to a statement posted by SAMA on X.

He added that identifying the root causes of imbalances remains a key priority, including distinguishing between structural drivers, financial conditions, and policy-related distortions.

Saudi Arabia supports enhancing the role of international institutions in improving data quality, analytical tools, and global cooperation, while taking into account country-specific circumstances—particularly for commodity exporters—to avoid a one-size-fits-all.

He said identifying the drivers of imbalances is a top priority, including distinguishing between structural factors, financial conditions and policy-driven distortions. He noted the Kingdom supports strengthening the role of international institutions in improving data quality, analytical tools and global coordination, while taking into account country-specific conditions—particularly for commodity exporters—to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.

Moreover, deeper multilateral cooperation, alongside orderly adjustments that balance surplus and deficit economies, is essential to reduce vulnerabilities, limit negative spillovers and support stronger, more sustainable global growth, Alsayari added.